Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Charles White. It dates from 1972 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1972, this untitled etching by Charles White is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art. Rendered in black‑and‑white tones, the work presents a solitary female figure rendered in profile, set against a subtly modulated background that balances light and shadow.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a woman whose hair is gathered in a bun and whose shoulders are draped in a sleeveless top. She turns slightly away from the viewer, her expression thoughtful, suggesting a moment of private reflection. The quiet pose and restrained demeanor convey an atmosphere of calm introspection.
Technique & Style
Executed through traditional etching, the piece displays fine line work and varied textures that differentiate planes of light and dark. The artist’s handling of incised lines creates a delicate surface quality, while the contrast between the crisp profile and the softer background emphasizes the figure’s presence without overt detail.
History & Provenance
The work was produced in the early 1970s, a period when White was exploring printmaking alongside his painting practice. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings shortly after its creation, where it remains on view as part of the institution’s representation of mid‑century American printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Wilbert White Jr. was an American artist known for his chronicling of African American related subjects in paintings, drawings, lithographs, and murals. White's lifelong commitment to chronicling the triumphs…
